You know how it goes – your friend jumps on the latest diet trend, swears by it, and you find yourself wondering whether you’re missing out. Enter the Carnivore Diet, the regime that advocates might suggest is the living, breathing definition of a ‘man’s meal’. Want to know more? Well, you’re in the right place.
What is the Carnivore Diet?
Imagine walking into your favorite steakhouse and devouring a juicy sirloin every day, and twice on Sundays. Well, the Carnivore Diet doesn’t exactly promise this, but it’s close. Simply put, the Carnivore Diet involves consuming animal-derived foods. Think meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, and limited amounts of dairy. In this game, fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds are benched; Their lack of a heartbeat making them off-limits.
Origins of the Carnivore Diet
The Carnivore Diet is certainly not a new fad. Historically, certain Indigenous populations like the Inuit and Maasai have thrived on similar meat-heavy diets for centuries (albeit out of necessity, not fashion). Though it has gained popularity in recent years, thanks in part to the high fat, low carb ketogenic diet.
Benefits of the Carnivore Diet
If you are a die-hard meat lover, the benefits of the Carnivore Diet seem to be many and grand. It has been lauded for weight loss, reducing inflammation, and improving overall health markers. The idea here is that by eliminating most carbs and plants, you’re squashing the chances of sugar spikes and gut irritants entering your body. Oh, and, let’s not forget – you’d be on a first-name basis with your local butcher! Keep in mind, though, further studies are needed to substantiate these benefits.
Risks of the Carnivore Diet
With every up, there’s a down. Experts worry about nutritional deficiencies and the long-term impact of a diet so high in saturated fats. Things like Vitamin C, E, and fiber are not typically found in adequate amounts in an all-meat diet, and a fiber-less life can lead to unpleasant digestive issues. So while you might be scoring goals with short term weight loss, you may be conceding penalties in the gut health department.
Final Thoughts on the Carnivore Diet
Eating like a lion might feel empowering, even primal. However, as with any diet, the jury’s still out. Before leaping into a carnivorous lifestyle, it’d probably be wise to consult with a healthcare professional who knows you better than your butcher. After all, steak might be tempting, but an apple a day keeps the doctor away!